From Falcon 1 to Starship: A timeline of SpaceX's achievements

SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of space exploration and reusable rocket technology. In a historic feat, the company has successfully caught the first stage of its Super Heavy booster using a launch tower during the fifth test flight.

This feat marks a significant leap in SpaceX’s quest to perfect fully reusable space vehicles for moon and Mars missions.

Here’s a look at key moments in SpaceX's journey:

2002: The founding of SpaceX

SpaceX is founded by Elon Musk to revolutionise space travel. He aims to make space transportation more affordable and accessible, ultimately driving toward the colonisation of Mars.

2006: Falcon 1’s first flight

The company’s first rocket, Falcon 1, makes its maiden flight. Though this initial launch doesn't reach orbit, it lays the ground for what is to come.

2008: First privately developed rocket reaches orbit

After several failed attempts, SpaceX makes history, as Falcon 1 becomes the first privately developed liquid-fuelled rocket to reach Earth’s orbit, proving that private enterprises can compete in the space industry.

2010: Dragon orbits and returns safely

SpaceX’s Dragon capsule becomes the first commercially built spacecraft to orbit Earth and return safely — a critical achievement for the company’s long-term goal of providing reliable transport for both cargo and crew to the International Space Station (ISS).

2012: First cargo mission to ISS

SpaceX becomes the first private company to resupply ISS with its Dragon spacecraft, demonstrating the commercial sector’s ability to support critical space missions previously undertaken by national space agencies.

2015: Falcon 9’s ground-breaking landing

In December, SpaceX makes headlines when the Falcon 9's first stage successfully returns to Earth, landing upright after delivering a payload of satellites to orbit. The event marks a major step towards the dream of fully reusable rockets.

2017: First reflight of an orbital-class rocket

In 2017, SpaceX launches and re-lands a previously flown Falcon 9 first stage, proving the viability of reusing rockets to lower the cost of space access.

2018: Falcon Heavy debut

Next year, SpaceX introduces the Falcon Heavy, the world’s most powerful operational rocket. Its maiden flight includes the unforgettable sight of Musk’s personal Tesla Roadster, complete with a mannequin dubbed “Starman,” drifting through space. The Falcon Heavy’s two side boosters also make synchronised landings.

2020: First manned mission with Crew Dragon

SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft takes its first astronauts to ISS in May. The moment marks the first time a privately developed spacecraft carries humans into orbit, establishing SpaceX as a leader in commercial spaceflight.

2021: Inspiration4, the first all-civilian spaceflight

Space tourism takes a giant leap in September 2021 when SpaceX launches the Inspiration4 mission, the first all-civilian orbital mission. Billionaire Jared Isaacman and three other civilians spend several days orbiting Earth.

2022: Starship unveiling

In 2022, SpaceX unveils the Starship spacecraft, designed to carry crew and cargo to destinations like the moon and the Mars. The Starship is part of Musk’s grand vision for interplanetary exploration, with NASA ordering two Starships for future lunar landings.

2023: Starship’s first orbital flight attempt

In April 2023, SpaceX conducts its first orbital flight test of Starship, though the mission ends with a "rapid unscheduled disassembly" as the spacecraft fails to separate from its booster.

March 2024: Starship’s third test flight

The third Starship test flight in March sets new records, with the spacecraft reaching orbital velocity for the first time. However, the mission ends with the spacecraft breaking apart during re-entry.

October: First Super Heavy booster catch with launch tower arms

On October 13, SpaceX reaches a new milestone in reusable rocket technology. The Super Heavy booster from the Starship rocket is successfully caught by giant mechanical arms on the launch tower, marking the first time the method is used. The ground-breaking achievement promises to further reduce launch costs and turnaround times as SpaceX continues its mission to develop reusable space vehicles for moon and Mars expeditions.